Can You Really Know What Works in Business and Life?

In today's fast-paced world, it's easy to get caught up in the latest trends and assume that they are the key to success. However, recent studies and trends reveal that what works is not always clear-cut. From the return of low-rise jeans to the importance of clarity in leadership and employee motivation, it's clear that success requires a nuanced approach.

In the fashion world, the return of low-rise jeans is a case in point. According to Amy Williams, CEO of Citizens of Humanity group, ultra-low-rise jeans will be a key business driver in the denim sector in 2026. While some may see this as a nostalgic return to the early 2000s, others may be skeptical about the practicality of such a style. However, as Williams notes, "What we're going to see in this next decade is [it'll be] really dominated by the low-rise."

But fashion is not the only area where clarity is key. In leadership, transparency is often touted as a key virtue, but recent research suggests that it's not enough on its own. As one leader discovered during a period of layoffs, sharing information without clarity can actually increase anxiety and uncertainty. Instead, pairing transparency with clarity is essential for effective communication. As the leader noted, "People still didn't like the situation, but the atmosphere changed. Not because he shared more information than everyone else. Because he paired transparency with clarity."

When it comes to hiring and employee motivation, clarity is also crucial. According to recent research, happy workers are 42% more likely to feel productive or motivated, meaning that employee happiness is directly linked to business outcomes. However, many organizations struggle to motivate their employees, often relying on initiatives such as "duvet days" or mindfulness classes. Instead, research suggests that a simple, science-backed approach is the best way to motivate workers.

So, what can we learn from these trends and studies? Firstly, that clarity is key to success, whether it's in fashion, leadership, or employee motivation. Secondly, that what works is not always clear-cut, and a nuanced approach is often required. Finally, that transparency and clarity are essential for effective communication, whether it's in the boardroom or on the shop floor.

But even with these lessons in mind, it's clear that there are still many challenges to overcome. For example, the U.S. Army has struggled to escape the internet's surveillance machine, with corporate surveillance deeply infiltrating its unclassified IT infrastructure. According to a recent study, 21.2% of the top domains requested on Army networks were "tracker domains," which exist solely to harvest user data and analytics.

In the end, it's clear that success requires a combination of clarity, transparency, and a nuanced approach. Whether it's in fashion, leadership, or employee motivation, understanding what works and what doesn't is essential for achieving our goals. As the saying goes, "the truth is in the details," and it's only by paying attention to these details that we can truly succeed.

Sources:

• "Inside the polarizing return of low-rise jeans" by Fast Company
• "Why leaders need to stop confusing transparency with clarity" by Fast Company
• "These interview questions can tell you whether someone is the right fit" by Fast Company
• "The U.S. Army can’t escape the internet’s surveillance machine" by Fast Company
• "This simple, science-backed approach is the best way to motivate workers" by Fast Company